Nov. 25, 2012

Assassin's Creed III: Liberation

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Call of Duty: Black Ops II

PAST IS FUTURE IN ‘CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II’

It’s baaaack. Like clockwork, the fall brings with it the turning of the leaves, oh-so-glorious shopping and the latest “Call of Duty” title. Walking up to the plate this time is “Call of Duty: Black Ops II,” a gritty take on the politically driven covert ops of the past and their impact on the future. The game accomplishes this by having one foot firmly rooted in the past, offering glimpses of the Soviet-mujahideen war and the mission to capture Manuel Noriega. Then, you have the other foot planted in the future, complete with invisible camouflage, X-ray vision and high-stakes cyber warfare. Serving as the common thread is bad guy Raul Menendez, whose thirst for revenge against the U.S. is matched only by his deep pockets. Strike Force stages sprinkled in between also help mix things up by melding first-person shooting (FPS) with a strategy game-like system that has you managing human and mechanical resources against a swarm of invading forces. It’s actually quite fun once you get the hang of it and helps alleviate some of the monotony typically seen in a FPS campaign. Multiplayer remains a major draw for “Call of Duty,” which brings back zombies as well as a slew of competitive modes. Zombies mode is improved but could still use diversity. Modes like Domination remain a fast-paced hoot. The new “Pick Ten” loadout system also adds flexibility by not forcing you to bring weapon categories that you might not use. Overall, it’s a must-have for FPS lovers. Cost: $60; PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U www.callofduty.com/blackops2

‘ASSASSIN’S CREED III: LIBERATION’ HITS THE ROAD

Playing the portable offshoot of a big console title sometimes can be akin to a grown man eating a Happy Meal. Essentially, you’re served a stripped-down offering that’s less filling. To Ubisoft’s credit, it looks like the developer tried to go for a console-like experience for “Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation.” From the combat and set pieces that echo the open and parkour-friendly environs of its console cousins to its attempt to tackle serious issues such as slavery, “Liberation” appears to be aiming high. The game starts out on an intriguing note as it chronicles the childhood of main character Aveline de Grandpré, the daughter of a white father and a freed slave in 18th-century America. Eventually, she gets separated from her mother and the game segues to a now adult Aveline, who has turned into an assassin. Fans of the series will like the ability to move effortlessly across rooftops or blend with the unwashed hoi polloi to carry out investigations and assassinations. Aveline also can use three costumes — assassin, slave and noble lady — each with varying abilities to suit different situations. The game has its share of drawbacks. Combat, while solid, feels a bit sluggish and counters can be a bit tough to pull off against groups. Occasional bugs and glitches also can rear their head. Overall, Liberation still doesn’t achieve the heights of its console brethren. Still, it’s a solid effort for gamers looking to take their assassinating on the road. Cost: $40, PS Vita http://bit.ly/JKVTxh— Jason Hidalgo, RGJ

‘PERSONA 4 GOLDEN’ FOR VITA HAS THE MIDAS TOUCH

Behold the Japanese role-playing game, once a heavy hitter in the gaming industry before folks started religiously clinging to their virtual guns courtesy of first-person shooters. These days, the genre is a shell of its former self, eking by with the kindness of the dedicated stragglers who support it. Just because JRPGs aren’t as dominant as they used to be, however, doesn’t mean good ones are no longer around. I bring you exhibit A: Atlus’ “Persona 4 Golden” for the Playstation Vita. A beefed-up port of the original Playstation 2 release, Persona 4 Golden is a veritable blast from the past. From its turn-based combat to its anime-style presentation, some may view the game as an anachronism. For fans of JRPGs, however, Persona 4 Golden is a stellar example of what makes the genre and the Persona series such a delectable treat. The story basically revolves around a bunch of high school kids who use powerful alter egos or “personas” to unravel the truth behind a string of mysterious murders in their quiet town. Its highly entertaining story is supported by a solid system that requires you to micromanage not just your resources but relationships with people as well. Do well and you get access to more powerful personas and skills to help you in your battles. Do poorly and you essentially handicap yourself. Granted, the sheer volume of stuff to track might actually be overwhelming for some. Leveling also can be a grind. For JRPG lovers, however, it’s simply golden. Cost: $40, PS Vita www.atlus.com